Automatic configuration and control of devices using metadata

ABSTRACT

Particular embodiments generally relate to automatically controlling an item. For example, items may include electronic devices, such as televisions, lights, etc, and/or virtual devices, such as applications, etc. In one embodiment, items may be configured using metatags. When a device is connected for operation, one or more metatags for the device are received. A metatag be used to classify the device. For example, the metatag may indicate uses, locations, connections, etc. The use of device (e.g., pathway, reading, etc.) classifies the item in way it can be used. For example, a user may use a pathway light in different ways, such as the user may turn on all lights with the pathway metatag at night. The location indicates the location of the item, such as in the living room, bedroom, etc. The connections indications a type of item, such as a bedroom light, lamp, TV, etc.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/699,751, filed Jan. 29, 2007, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

Particular embodiments generally relate to automatic control of devices.

Many different devices or other items may be controlled automatically.For example, a television, DVD player, lights, and other electronicdevices may be controlled in a household. In one example, lights may beprogrammed to turn on at a certain time or a thermostat configured tochange a regulated temperature at a certain time. However, such controlsystem can quickly grow complicated as the number of controlled devicesincreases and the conditions or factors to which a control system mustreact also increase. Initial configuration can also be difficult as, forexample, each item may have a different configuration process. Further,when new devices replace existing devices, the new devices and thecontrol system may need to be reconfigured in order to be compatible.

SUMMARY

Particular embodiments generally relate to associating metadata, such asshort names or “metatags,” with an item so that the item can be moreflexibly controlled. A particular embodiment of the invention usesmetatags to describe controllable household devices such as, e.g.,lights, appliances, entertainment systems, etc. Metadata can be used todescribe an item so that control of all items with a particular metatagcan be performed at a conceptual level rather than relying onmechanical, mathematical or logical specifications. For example, iflights are associated with either an “inside” or “outside” metatag thenimplementing a command to “turn off all outside lights” is simplified.More than one metatag can be used with a particular item so that, forexample, a light that is outside and next to a walkway might be taggedwith both “outside” and “walkway.”

Many different types or classes of metadata can be used. For example,rather than use a metatag that describes merely a physical location of alight, a light can be tagged with “reading” or “dinner” to indicate thatit is used for such purposes. Scenes can be defined that include a setof rules or other criteria that determine how an item is controlled.Item control can be, e.g., turning a device on or off, adjusting theintensity of a light, changing the volume of audio playback, etc. Thescenes may include triggers that cause a specific item behavior based onan event or condition such as time of day, user presence, outsidedarkness, a user's desired mood, etc. For example, a scene called“walkway lighting” may be defined to activate all items with themetatag, “pathway.” Items that might have the metatag “pathway” couldinclude outside sidewalk and patio lighting devices, interior hallwaynight lights, etc. Devices are controlled automatically based on scenerules and item metadata.

Use of metadata can simplify the configuration of new items when theitems are installed. For example, when new lights are connected to thenetwork, the lights do not have to be specifically configured to performdesired actions. Previously defined configurations can be automaticallyapplied to new devices if the devices have recognized metatags. In oneexample, newly installed lights may be designated with the metatag,“pathway,” and they will automatically act as other pathway lights havebeen previously acting. This simplifies the configuration process andallows powerful configuration and control of items.

When a device is connected for operation, one or more metatags for thedevice can be automatically presented to the control system. Themetatags or other metadata can be set by a manufacturer of the device,set by a user or purchaser, or can be obtained or set by another partysuch as by obtaining the metatags from the Internet.

A further understanding of the nature and the advantages of particularembodiments disclosed herein may be realized by reference of theremaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified system according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2E show examples of interfaces that may be used to configure anitem according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified flowchart for performing actions with items108 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a simplified flowchart for configuring a newly connecteddevice according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified flowchart for a method for controlling itemsaccording to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified system 100 according to one embodiment. Asshown, controller 102, locations 104, and rules storage 106 areprovided. Locations 104 also include items 108, and location controller110.

Controller 102 is configured to control items 108 in locations 104. Alocation may be any area, such as a room, hallway, etc. System 100 maybe broken up into locations 104. For example, the locations may be foundin a house, business, or any other area. Although specific locations 104are described, it will be understood that any number of locations may becontrolled using controller 102.

Controller 102 may include hardware, software, or any combinationthereof to cause actions to be performed with items 108. For example,items 108 may be controlled by turning them off, turning them on, etc.In one embodiment, controller 102 may communicate through a network tolocation controllers 110. Location controllers 110 may then cause theactions to be performed with items 108 that are in a specific location.For example, controller 110-1 may be able to control items 108-1-108-7.

Items 108 may be any items that may be physical or virtual. For example,a physical device may be an actual device that is physically located inlocation 104, such as lights, televisions, appliances, and thermostats.Also, virtual devices may be controlled, such as applications, content,music, content feeds, etc. The devices shown are physical devices, butit will be understood that virtual devices may also be controlled.

Metatags may be used to classify items. A metatag may be any informationthat describes the classification. For example, metatags may be includedfor uses, locations, connections, scenes, etc.

The metatags may then be used to control items 108 using rules. In oneexample, a user may configure the rules for a metatag. In otherembodiments, metatags and their associated rules may come prepackaged byan entity. For example, a service may predetermine metatags with theirassociated rules and download them to rules storage 106.

The rules may specify triggers that perform an action when a conditionis satisfied. For example, a rule may specify that items with themetatag “light” and “pathway” be turned to low and items with themetatag “television” and “living room” may be turned on after 6 pm. Therules may be included in a scene, which may be a collection of rules.For example, a scene may be a “safety” scene, which specifies turning onall items 104 that are designated as pathway lights when an alarm isactivated.

FIGS. 2A-2E show examples of interfaces that may be used to configure anitem 108 according to one embodiment. Although these specific interfacesare shown, it should be apparent that other interfaces may be used.

In FIG. 2A, a number of items 108 are shown. These items 108 can beconfigured with metatags. Items 108 include freestanding lights 108-1,bedside lights 108-2, desk lights 108-3, board lights 108-4, keypad108-5, and left scene panel 108-6. Items 108 may be selected and a menumay be displayed in which metatags may be selected for each item 108. Inone embodiment, these items 108 are items that are connected tocontroller 102. A user can configure these items 108. Other items mayalso be configured but are not shown. When a user physically connects anitem 108 to a control system, such as by coupling the item to a digitalnetwork and to location controller 110, the item appears as a graphicalicon on this interface for configuration. When the user selects an iconcorresponding to a device (e.g., with a mouse and pointer, remotecontrol device, etc.), an editing screen appears.

FIG. 2B shows menu 202 of an example of categories of metatags accordingto one embodiment. Menu 204 shows different configuration parametersthat may be configured. For example, a name, use, location, connection,scene, and scheduling may be configured. It should be noted that items108 may be preconfigured. For example, a type of item may be detectedand it may be preconfigured with metatags and other information. This isdescribed in more detail below.

FIG. 2B shows a menu 206 of different metatags for uses according to oneembodiment. The context and control may be configured. The context isinformation on the item itself. For example, the name, use, and locationmay be configured. Although these examples of context are provided, itwill be understood that other metatags may be used. The control isinformation that is used to control the item.

The name may be a name that is assigned for item 108 and may be typedin. This may be used to identify different items uniquely.

The use may be how item 108 may be used. As shown, overhead, sconce,spotlight, pathway, reading, and soffet are shown. These metatagsclassify possible uses. For example, pathway may indicate that a lightis a reading light. In this case, it may be used to illuminate areasthat may be used for reading at certain times. Also, any number ofmetatags may be selected.

FIG. 2C shows a menu 208 of different metatags for locations usedaccording to one embodiment. The location may be where item 108 islocated. As shown, living room, foyer, entry, kitchen, bedroom, and denmetatags are shown. These metatags classify possible locations. Forexample, living room may indicate that a light is in the living room.

FIG. 2D shows a menu 210 of different metatags for connections accordingto one embodiment. The connection may be a type of item 108. As shown,freestanding lights, bedside lights, desk lights, board lights, rightlight, left light metatags are shown. These metatags classify possibledevices in which item 108 may similarly operate. For example, a lightmay operate like a bedside light. In this case, the settings andfeatures of item 108 may be determined from the metatag selected. Forexample, a bedside light may have a low and high setting. Also, if theitem was a TV, the settings for a TV (e.g., volume, on/off, picturesettings, etc.) may be associated with the item if a TV metatag isselected.

FIG. 2E shows a menu 212 of different metatags for scene membershipaccording to one embodiment. The scene may be rules on how to controlitems 108. As shown, scenes include home theatre, security, safety, andenergy savings. These metatags classify possible scenes in which item108 may be included. For example, a light may be included in thesecurity scene. In this case, it may be turned on when a security breachis determined. For example, the rule may be when an alarm is sounded,turn on all items 108 with a pathway metatag and light metatag. Othermore complicated scenes may be appreciated. A scene may include triggersand rules for one or more metatags that describe the control of itemsusing rules. For example, a scene may include metatags to control theuse of items 108. Thus, items 108 may be associated with a scene and/ormultiple metatags. For example, when light 108-1 is connected tolocation controller 110-1 and controller 102, it may be configured withthe metatags spotlight (use metatag), living room (location metatag),free standing light (connections metatag), home theatre (scene metatag)and energy conservation (scene metatag).

Rules for a scene may then be configured. These rules may be configuredby a user or may be predetermined. For example, for the scene hometheatre, the trigger may detect the powering on of a DVD player. Thus,when controller 110-1 detects the powering on of a DVD player, it may besignaled to controller 102, which can then invoke the home theatrescene.

The home theatre scene may include the following rules for metatags:

-   Spotlight/free standing lights/living room->Low power-   Reading/desk lights/bedroom->off-   Reading/bed lights/bedroom->off-   TV/living room->On-   Heat/living room->70 degrees

For example, item 108 with the metatags of spotlight, free standinglight and living room will be turned to a low power. Thus, a freestanding spotlight in the living room is turned to a low power. In oneexample, items 108-1 and 108-2 may be turned to a low power.

Also, item 108 with the metatags of reading, desk lights, and bedroommay be turned off. Also, items 108 with metatags of reading, bed lights,and bedroom are turned off. In this case, reading lights, such as lights108-4, 108-5, and 108-6 may be turned off. This may be because theliving room is being used and the lights in the bedroom should be turnedoff to conserve energy.

Further, item 108-3 may be configured with TV and living room and it isturned on. Additionally, item 108-8 is set to 70 degrees.

Other metatags may also be used. For example, a metatag may be energyconservation, which maintains the energy use of all items 108 at 70percent of a certain threshold. Further, a metatag may be Christmaslights, which make lights perform as if they are Christmas lights.Accordingly, when it is Christmas time, a metatag for a light may bechanged to the metatag “Christmas lights” and it will perform in such away as, desired during Christmas time.

Accordingly, items 108 may be associated with metatags and automaticallycontrolled to perform actions. Items 108 do not need to be programmedthemselves to perform the actions. Rather, by virtue of associatingmetatags with the item, the control may be automatic.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified flowchart 300 for performing actions withitems 108 according to one embodiment. Step 302 determines if a triggerfor a scene has occurred. For example, controller 102 may determine ascene that needs to be performed when an event occurs. In this case, thescene home theatre may be determined when the DVD player is turned on.

Step 304 then determines rules for the scene. The rules include metatagsfor the scene. For example, each rule includes a number of metatags.

Step 306 determines items 108 that have been associated with themetatags. For example, queries may be run to determine which items 108are associated with which metatags. This query may be run in real-timewhen the rule is triggered. Also, the query may be previously run, suchas when the item is configured. For example, the query may determine allitems with the TV metatag. Also, if the home theatre metatag wasselected during the configuration process, then items 108 may be queriedto determine which items included the metatag home theatre.

Step 308 then determines an action for items 108. Step 310 then performsan action associated with the rule for items 108. For example, the TVmay be turned on, the thermostat set to 70 degrees and the lights in theliving room turned on while the lights in the bedroom are turned off.

In one embodiment, controller 102 may communicate the actions to performto location controller 110-1. Location controller 110-1 may thencommunicate through the network to cause items 108 to perform thedetermined action. For example, location controller 110-1 maycommunicate with lights 108-1 and 108-2 to turn them to a low power.This may be performed though any network, such as a wireless network,wired network, etc. Although lines have been shown connecting items andlocation controller 110 and controller 102, it will be understood thatwireless and/or wired connections may be used.

Location controller 110-1 may be able to control lights 108 in any way.For example, location controller 110 may send signals to lights 108 tocause them to adjust their power.

In other examples, in location 104-2, lights 108-1 and 108-5 may bebedside lights and light 108-9 may be a desk light on a desk 108-6. Theenergy conservation metatag may specify that desk light 108-9 is turnedoff and bedside lights are turned on. In this case, bedside lights 108-4and 108-5 are turned on, but desk light 108-9 is turned off. Thus,individual items that may be of the same type (e.g., lights) may also becontrolled as long as they are identified. In this case, a finer degreeof identification may be used. For example, instead of identifying arule for lights, rules for bedside lights and desk lights may beprovided. This allows further customization of control for items.

Using metatags, new devices that are connected to controller 102 and/orlocation controller 110 may be automatically configured to operateaccording to a scene. For example, once metatags are associated with theitem, then that item 108 may begin to operate as defined in the rulesfor the metatags.

FIG. 4 depicts a simplified flowchart 400 for configuring a newlyconnected device according to one embodiment. Step 402 determines a newitem 108. For example, item 108-1 may be connected to the networkthrough location controller 110-1. This connection may be made bywireless, wired, or by any other connection. In one embodiment, locationcontroller 110-1 may detect a device through a Bluetooth connection. Forexample, television 108-3 may have its Bluetooth connection active andlocation controller 110-1 can detect active items with active Bluetoothconnections. Location controller 110-1 may then identify item 108 tocontroller 102. Also, a user may use a computer to send an indication ofa new item 108. This configuration may be performed using a portal thatconfigures metatags for the user. Also, other methods may be provided,such as calling an operator, using an interactive voice response system,etc.

Step 404 then receives an identifier for item 108. For example, theidentifier may be a bar code, RFID, or any other identifier. This mayidentify the type of device, such as a TV, light, etc., which may guidewhich user interfaces may be shown to a user.

The metatags may be intelligently determined. For example, if theidentifier indicates item 108 is a TV, then certain metatags arepreselected. A user can also change the preselections. Further, othercontextual information may be used, such as if item 108 is connected tolocation controller 110-1, then it is assumed to be in the living room,and that metatag is preselected. Further, different combinations ofmetatags may be pre-configured for a user. For example, the abovecombination and also the combination of spotlight, pathway, and boardlight are offered. This may simplify the configuration.

Also, if item 108 does not exactly match a known item, an estimation ofwhat are appropriate metatags may be determined. For example, aninteractive session is being performed through a portal to set up theitem, then a question as to how the item is going to be used may beposed. A question and answer session may then be performed.

Step 406 receives the metatags associated with item 108. The metatagdoes not have to be sent from item 108 (but it can). For example, a usermay use a computer to send a metatag to controller 102.

Step 408 stores the metatags for item 108. The metatags may be storedlocally, such as in storage 112. Also, the metatags may be storedremotely on a server, on controller 102, etc.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified flowchart 500 for a method for controllingitems 108 according to one embodiment. Step 502 determines if a triggerfor a rule in a scene is satisfied. For example controller 102 maymonitor information to determine if triggers are satisfied. Thisinformation may be determined from location controllers 110-1, which maybe monitoring information in the room. For example, a total energy usagemay be monitored for a house.

Step 504 determines metatags for the rule. The rule may specify anynumber of metatags.

Step 506 then determines items 108 that have the metatags associatedwith them. This may be determined by query, such as by querying storage102. For example, all lights designated pathway lights are queried for.

Step 508 determines and performs an action for the determined items 108.For example, controller 102 may communicate with location controller110-1 and/or 110-2 to have actions performed with items 108.

Accordingly, particular embodiments allow items to be configured andautomatically operated in certain ways. For example, metatags may beassociated with devices and rules associated with metatags are used tocontrol the items. The items do not have to be configured to operate ina certain way other than to associate a metatag with them. This allowsthe easy configuration of items. Also, new items may be constantlyadded, but do not have to go through a long configuration process.Rather, lights may be swapped out for other lights and the new lightsmay operate the same way as the old lights upon association with thesame metatags.

In one example, a light may be situated in a location. The light may bedesignated as a pathway light and an emergency light. The pathway lightrules may indicate that pathway lights turn on at 6:00 p.m. and stay onuntil 10:00 p.m. Then, the pathway lights may be dimmed until midnight,and then may be turned off. The light may be configured by associatingthe pathway light metatag with it. Also, the emergency light rules mayindicate that the emergency light may turn on when an alarm isactivated. The metatag spotlight may be associated with a light for itto turn on as an emergency light.

When a new light is connected in the location, and the metatag pathwayand spotlight is associated with this new light. Instead of having toconfigure the light to turn on and off at certain times, the rulesassociated with the metatags are used to operate the light. Thus, oncethe light is connected and associated with the pathway metatag, then itoperates as the prior light did. That is the new light pathway lightsturn on at 6:00 p.m. and stays on until 10:00 p.m. Then, the new lightmay be dimmed until midnight, and then may be turned off. Also, the newlight automatically turns on if an alarm is activated.

Accordingly, a configuration process for a light is simplified. Theoperation is controlled by metatags that have rules associated withthem. Thus, reconfiguration of rules for the lights to automaticallyperform actions is not needed.

Although the description has been described with respect to particularembodiments thereof, these particular embodiments are merelyillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, any control method orprocess may be used to control items. For example, in addition todevices, items can include non-physical applications or functionalelements such as software, audio or visual content, virtual devices,etc.

Any suitable programming language can be used to implement the routinesof particular embodiments including C, C++, Java, assembly language,etc. Different programming techniques can be employed such as proceduralor object oriented. The routines can execute on a single processingdevice or multiple processors. Although the steps, operations, orcomputations may be presented in a specific order, this order may bechanged in different particular embodiments. In some particularembodiments, multiple steps shown as sequential in this specificationcan be performed at the same time. The sequence of operations describedherein can be interrupted, suspended, or otherwise controlled by anotherprocess, such as an operating system, kernel, etc. The routines canoperate in an operating system environment or as stand-alone routinesoccupying all, or a substantial part, of the system processing.

Functions can be performed in hardware, software, or a combination ofboth. Unless otherwise stated, functions may also be performed manually,in whole or in part. System designs can vary from those describedherein. For example, other approaches may not use separate controllersand location controllers. Functions performed by a controller, locationcontroller, item or device, or other apparatus can be integrated withone or more of the devices. In some applications it may be possible toeliminate devices, such as the location controllers, and have thefunctionality performed in the controller or in a controlled item or atanother device or location.

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, suchas examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of particular embodiments. One skilled in the relevant artwill recognize, however, that a particular embodiment can be practicedwithout one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus,systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or thelike. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, oroperations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoidobscuring aspects of particular embodiments.

A “computer-readable medium” for purposes of particular embodiments maybe any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, ortransport the program for use by or in connection with the instructionexecution system, apparatus, system, or device. The computer readablemedium can be, by way of example only but not by limitation, anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, orsemiconductor system, apparatus, system, device, propagation medium, orcomputer memory.

Particular embodiments can be implemented in the form of control logicin software or hardware or a combination of both. The control logic,when executed by one or more processors, may be operable to perform thatwhat is described in particular embodiments.

A “processor” or “process” includes any human, hardware and/or softwaresystem, mechanism or component that processes data, signals, or otherinformation. A processor can include a system with a general-purposecentral processing unit, multiple processing units, dedicated circuitryfor achieving functionality, or other systems. Processing need not belimited to a geographic location, or have temporal limitations. Forexample, a processor can perform its functions in “real time,”“offline,” in a “batch mode,” etc. Portions of processing can beperformed at different times and at different locations, by different(or the same) processing systems.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, “a specific embodiment”, or “particular embodiment” meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the particular embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment and not necessarily in all particular embodiments. Thus,respective appearances of the phrases “in a particular embodiment”, “inan embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the sameembodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in anysuitable manner with one or more other particular embodiments. It is tobe understood that other variations and modifications of the particularembodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light ofthe teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit andscope.

Particular embodiments may be implemented by using a programmed generalpurpose digital computer, by using application specific integratedcircuits, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays,optical, chemical, biological, quantum or nanoengineered systems,components and mechanisms may be used. In general, the functions ofparticular embodiments can be achieved by any means as is known in theart. Distributed, networked systems, components, and/or circuits can beused. Communication, or transfer, of data may be wired, wireless, or byany other means.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted inthe drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated orintegrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certaincases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. It isalso within the spirit and scope to implement a program or code that canbe stored in a machine-readable medium to permit a computer to performany of the methods described above.

Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should beconsidered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwisespecifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein isgenerally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated.Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as beingnoted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability toseparate or combine is unclear.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,“a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein andthroughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated particular embodiments,including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosedherein. While specific particular embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope, asthose skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. Asindicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention inlight of the foregoing description of illustrated particular embodimentsand are to be included within the spirit and scope.

Thus, while the present invention has been described herein withreference to particular embodiments thereof; a latitude of modification,various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoingdisclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances somefeatures of particular embodiments will be employed without acorresponding use of other features without departing from the scope andspirit as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapta particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit. Itis intended that the invention not be limited to the particular termsused in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosedas the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but thatthe invention will include any and all particular embodiments andequivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method comprising: determining a connection of an item to anetwork; determining a metatag for the item that is connected, themetatag classifying the item; configuring the item to be controlledbased on the metatag classifying the item; determining an action for themetatag to perform; and controlling, by a computing device, the item toperform the action based on the metatag for the item.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: determining an identifier for the item uponconnection of the item to the network, wherein determining the metatagcomprises determining the metatag based on the identifier.
 3. The methodof claim 2, wherein determining the metatag based on the identifiercomprises matching the identifier to the metatag from a plurality ofmetatags based on the identifier.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein theidentifier identifies a type of item, wherein the type of item is usedto determine the metatag.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the item ispre-configured with the metatag before connection to the network.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising receiving the metatag from theitem.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting theconnection of the item to the network, wherein the configuring isautomatic based on the metatag determined.
 8. The method of claim 1,further comprising: receiving a change to associate a new metatag withthe item; and reconfiguring the item to be controlled based on the newmetatag.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the metatagcomprises using contextual information based on a location of theconnection to determine the metatag.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining the metatag comprises: outputting an interface to a user;receiving a selection of the metatag; and associating the metatag withthe item based on the selection.
 11. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising storing the metatag with an indication the metatag isassociated with the item.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprisingsending, using the computing device, a signal to cause the item toperform the action.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the metatag isassociated with a rule and a trigger, wherein the computing devicecauses the item to perform the action when the trigger is satisfied. 14.A computer-readable storage medium containing instructions forcontrolling a computer system to perform a method, the methodcomprising: determining a connection of an item to a network;determining a metatag for the item that is connected, the metatagclassifying the item; configuring the item to be controlled based on themetatag classifying the item; determining an action for the metatag toperform; and controlling, by a computing device, the item to perform theaction based on the metatag for the item.
 15. The computer-readablestorage medium of claim 14, further comprising: determining anidentifier for the item upon connection of the item to the network,wherein determining the metatag comprises determining the metatag basedon the identifier.
 16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15,wherein determining the metatag based on the identifier comprisesmatching the identifier to the metatag from a plurality of metatagsbased on the identifier.
 17. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 14, wherein the item is pre-configured with the metatag beforeconnection to the network.
 18. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 17, further comprising receiving the metatag from the item. 19.The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, further comprising:detecting the connection of the item to the network, wherein theconfiguring is automatic based on the metatag determined.
 20. Anapparatus comprising: one or more computer processors; and acomputer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for controllingthe one or more computer processors to perform a method for, the methodcomprising: determining a connection of an item to a network;determining a metatag for the item that is connected, the metatagclassifying the item; configuring the item to be controlled based on themetatag classifying the item; determining an action for the metatag toperform; and controlling, by a computing device, the item to perform theaction based on the metatag for the item.